Introduction
Pectus excavatum, commonly known as “sunken chest” or “funnel chest,” is a condition where the sternum (breastbone) grows inward, resulting in a sunken chest wall. This can have both aesthetic and functional impacts on individuals, especially 20 - year - olds in New York City who may be more conscious about their appearance and physical performance. In this article, we will explore the top doctors and institutions in New York City for pectus excavatum correction, as well as provide a broader perspective on the treatment of this condition worldwide.
Understanding Pectus Excavatum
Chest wall abnormalities like pectus excavatum are fairly common, affecting 1 in 300 to 1 in 500 people, with males affected three to four times as often as females. The condition can vary in severity, from a narrow cup shape to a wider bowl or plate shape. In some cases, it can cause functional problems such as reduced lung capacity, heart compression, and decreased physical endurance. For many individuals, especially young adults, it can also have a significant impact on self - esteem and body image.
Diagnosis of pectus excavatum typically involves a physical exam along with imaging such as an x - ray or CT scan. A quantitative determination is made by measuring the space between the front of the chest and the spine in the most sunken portion and comparing that to the width of the chest at its widest, known as the Haller index. If the condition is severe and causing functional or aesthetic concerns, surgical correction may be considered.
Top Doctors and Institutions in New York City for Pectus Excavatum Correction
NYU Langone Health
NYU Langone's team of doctors is dedicated to providing the most advanced, personalized care for pectus excavatum. Their doctors specialize in various aspects of the condition and can offer comprehensive treatment options. To explore the list of providers and schedule an appointment, you can visit https://nyulangone.org/doctors/condition/pectus - excavatum.
Top Doctors in the Area
- Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein: A pediatric surgeon based in New York, NY. He is affiliated with Lenox Hill Hospital and Cohen Children's Medical Center. You can reach him at (646) 973 - 3822.
- Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein: Specializes in thoracic surgery, with a special focus on minimally invasive thoracic surgery, hyperhidrosis - palmar, and pectus excavatum. He practices primarily in New York, NY, and is affiliated with New York - Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Contact him at 866 - 721 - 8718.
Other Reputable Doctors and Institutions for Pectus Excavatum Treatment Worldwide
Doctors in the United States
| Doctor | Location | Specialty | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Dawn Jaroszewski (Dr. J) | Mayo Clinic in Arizona | Cardiothoracic surgery | Professor in the department of cardiothoracic surgery, director of the Mayo Clinic chest wall and thoracic surgery programs. Performed over 1000 surgeries, part of over 100 research projects and publications about pectus excavatum. Rated 9.9/10 on pectus.com. |
| Dr. Barry Losasso | Paramus, New Jersey | Pediatric surgery | Board - certified pediatric surgeon. Worked closely with the creator of the Nuss procedure, Dr. Donald Nuss. Completed over 1200 successful Nuss procedures as of August 2024. |
| Dr. Victor F. Garcia | Cincinnati, Ohio | General surgery (focus on children's chest malformations) | Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. Has over 20 years of experience in treating children with congenital or acquired chest wall abnormalities at the Cincinnati Children's Chest Wall Center. |
Doctors in Europe
| Doctor | Location | Specialty | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ronald Lützenberg | Germany (currently in Ostercappeln) | Pectus excavatum surgery | Considered the best pectus excavatum surgeon in the world. Performed over 1500 Nuss surgeries, mainly uses modified Nuss procedure. Corrects rib flare problem. Answers questions via e - mail sometimes within 24 hours. |
| Dr. Klaus Schaarschmidt | Berlin, Germany | Pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum surgery | Performed over 1500 Nuss procedures as of 2024. Uses modified Nuss procedure. Charges about €25,000 for surgery. |
| Dr. Hans Pilegaard | Aarhus, Denmark | Pectus excavatum surgery | Performed over 1800 Nuss procedures. Teaches English surgeons the Nuss procedure. Corrects pectus carinatum deformities, although retired at the turn of 2015/16, still operates one day a week. |
Treatment Options for Pectus Excavatum
Nuss Procedure
The Nuss procedure is a minimally invasive surgery for pectus excavatum correction. It involves inserting a titanium bar across the chest under the sternum through two small incisions on either side. The bar is custom - bent to the patient's shape, and the correction is immediate. However, the remodeling of the chest shape takes time, and the bar is usually left in place for about three years to allow healing, scarring, and setting. After that, it is removed in a second procedure.
One of the challenges of the Nuss procedure is pain management. To address this, some institutions, such as UCLA Health, have implemented intercostal nerve cryoablation, which freezes the nerves causing pain in the chest. This technique not only helps in pain relief but also shortens hospital stays and reduces the need for opioids.
Ravitch Procedure
The Ravitch procedure is a more traditional surgical approach for pectus excavatum correction. It involves removing the abnormal cartilage and reshaping the chest wall. This procedure may be more suitable for severe cases or when the Nuss procedure is not appropriate.
Non - Surgical Treatment
For mild cases of pectus excavatum, non - surgical treatment options may be considered. These can include physical therapy to strengthen the chest muscles, which may help improve the appearance of the chest to some extent. Bracing is also an option for pectus carinatum, where a brace is worn to gradually reshape the chest wall.
Choosing the Right Doctor and Institution
When it comes to choosing a doctor and institution for pectus excavatum correction, especially for 20 - year - olds in New York City, several factors should be considered:
- Experience: Look for doctors who have a significant amount of experience in performing pectus excavatum surgeries. This can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.
- Reputation: Check patient reviews and ratings to get an idea of the doctor's and institution's reputation. You can also look for any awards or recognition they have received in the field of chest wall deformity treatment.
- Treatment Options: Ensure that the doctor and institution offer a variety of treatment options, including both surgical and non - surgical approaches, so that you can choose the one that is most suitable for your condition.
- Team Approach: A team - based approach, where different specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and physical therapists work together, can provide more comprehensive care.
- After - care: Consider the after - care services provided by the institution, including follow - up appointments, rehabilitation programs, and support for pain management.
Initial Tests and Preparation for Surgery
Before undergoing pectus excavatum surgery, several initial tests are usually required:
- Imaging Tests: X - rays, CT scans, or MRIs are done to measure the Haller index and assess the severity of the deformity.
- Lung Tests: These tests help evaluate lung function and determine if the pectus excavatum is affecting the respiratory system.
You will also need to provide the following information to the surgeon:
- Medical Images: Send your CT/MRI/X - ray images and six photos of your pectus excavatum, including views from different angles (45° from the left and right, 90° in profile, front, and back). Make sure not to include your face in the pictures and take them in daylight without using the flash.
- Medical History: Write down every single physical problem you have with the deformity, including any mental issues related to it. You can also mention the date when you want to undergo surgery.
- Personal Information: Provide your social security number and address so that the doctor can send the evaluation to you.
- Insurance Information: If you have insurance for the surgery, send the application form.
Conclusion
For 20 - year - olds in New York City with pectus excavatum, there are several top - notch doctors and institutions available for correction. From the specialized teams at NYU Langone Health to individual experts like Dr. Lawrence Bodenstein and Dr. Lyall A. Gorenstein, patients have access to high - quality care. However, it's not just about the local options; globally, there are many other highly experienced doctors, especially in the United States and Europe, who have made significant contributions to the field of pectus excavatum treatment.
When considering treatment, it's crucial to understand the different treatment options, choose the right doctor and institution based on multiple factors, and go through the necessary initial tests and preparations. By making informed decisions, patients can increase the chances of a successful correction and improve their quality of life.
If you or someone you know is dealing with pectus excavatum, don't hesitate to reach out to the recommended doctors and institutions. Schedule a consultation, ask questions, and take the first step towards a better future. Share this article with others who may benefit from this information, and continue to explore related topics to stay informed about the latest advancements in pectus excavatum treatment.
